Attack on Hezbut Tawheed activists in Ashulia: 13 including women injured, 2 seriously

Some local workers of Hezbut Tawheed were holding a mass meeting in Ashulia in the morning as part of a central program aimed at creating public awareness against militancy, rumour-terrorism and communalism. Meanwhile, a group of violent terrorist nature people obstructed them.

Staff Reporter:

A group of terrorists attacked local members of Hezbut Tawheed during a mass communication program in Ashulia, Dhaka. At least 13 people including female members of Hezbut Tawheed were injured. The condition of two of them is critical. The attack took place in the unique bus stand area of Ashulia on Friday morning. The seriously injured are Abul Hossain (45) and Kamal Hossain (25), residents of Ashulia, workers of Hezbut Tawheed. Other injured are - Zakir Hossain, Sumi Akhtar, journalist Daudul Islam Nayan, Leon Islam, Nizam Mondal, Manik, Zahidul Islam, Sohrab Hossain, Noman, Tariqul Islam and Badsha.

It is known that some local workers of Hezbut Tawheed were holding a mass meeting in Ashulia in the morning as part of the central program aimed at creating public awareness against militancy, rumour-terrorism and communalism. Meanwhile, a group of violent terrorist nature people obstructed them. They continued to verbally abuse the women workers of Hezbut Tawheed and put their hands on them, trying to molest them. When the local officials of the organization rushed to get the news, local businessmen and other dignitaries requested to settle the matter. Manik, the son of Abdul Mannan, the owner of Gopalganj Furniture, along with a group of terrorists, ambushed the workers of Hezbut Tawheed near the unique bus stand of Ashulia. Locals said that they had sticks and sharp native weapons in their hands. In the second attack, at least 10 workers of Hezbut Tawheed were injured, out of which 2 are said to be in critical condition. Abul Hossain and Kamal Hossain, who were seriously injured, were immediately taken to Ashulia Women and Children Hospital and were sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital as their condition was serious. The rest are being treated at Savar Model Hospital. Several witnesses broadcast the incident live on Facebook.

Hezbut Tawheed's Ashulia Police Station Publicity Secretary Sumi Akhter said, Abdul Mannan, the proprietor of Gopalganj Furniture, questioned why I, as a girl, went out to preach Islam. He started bullying me. He doesn't listen to anything I say. At one point he got excited and put his hands on me, pushing me. When protesting this incident, at the request of local businessmen and dignitaries, our leaders and journalist Daudul Islam Nayan sat down to settle the matter.

During the discussion, Abdul Mannan's son Manik brought a group of bad terrorists. They suddenly ambushed us with weapons. Hezbut Tawheed preachers were beaten up. At this time, my body and head were also hit with a rod. Injured journalist Daudul Haque Nayan said, "I was called to arbitrate in the case of molestation of a female activist of Hezbut Tawheed. Meanwhile, Abdul Mannan's son Manik made an ambush with a group of terrorists. When I tried to restrain them, they started beating me too.

Zakir Hossain, president of Hezbut Tawheed Ashulia police station, said, "We have been called and attacked in a conspiratorial manner by talking about a settlement." We strongly protest against such sudden terrorist attacks. As a law-abiding movement, we have approached the law. I have given a written complaint to the police station. We did not get justice in many such incidents in the past days. We don't want to see a culture of injustice anymore. We have taken a position in front of the police station demanding that the terrorists be brought under the law. If the administration does not take quick action, we will be forced to announce a strict program.

Hezbut Tawheed Dhaka Divisional Amir Dr. Mahbub Alam Mahfuz said, since the birth of Hezbut Tawheed, we have been repeatedly attacked by a group of extremists. For the past few months, I have seen the ferocity of this group of extremists has reached extreme levels. Innocent members of Hezbut Tawheed are being attacked by them in different parts of the country. They do not shy away from attacking women members. The passive role of the administration is making them more reckless. In an independent sovereign state, such mastani is ominous for the country.

Hezbut Tawheed will not leave the streets until there is a quick and fair trial of the terrorist attack in Ashulia. Attempts were made to contact Abdul Mannan, the proprietor of the accused Gopalganj Furniture, but he could not be found. His mobile phone was also found switched off. Ashulia police station investigation officer SI Mofizul Islam said, I have received a written complaint.

Action will be taken after investigation. Meanwhile, immediately after the incident, the local leaders and activists of Hezbut Tawheed held a protest march against the terrorist attack. Abdul Mannan and his son Manik, Md., are the leaders of this incident. Sujan, Rafiqul Islam and other unidentified terrorists demanded immediate arrest and exemplary punishment. There is a tense situation in the area regarding this matter. Since afternoon, hundreds of Hezbut Tawheed leaders and activists can be seen holding a sit-in program in front of the police station.

Crime Diary // Politics